1. Program Definition and Services 

The NAMI Maine Family Respite Program provides respite care services for families with children who have special needs. Respite care offers temporary relief to primary caregivers, allowing them a break from the demands of caring for a child with special needs 

Services provided under this program include: 

• In-home respite care 

• Community-based respite activities 

• Overnight respite care (with limitations) 

2. Regulations 

The NAMI Maine Family Respite Program adheres to the general NAMI Maine policy and procedure manual, as well as specific policies and procedures outlined in the Respite Provider Handbook 

3. Licensing or Certification 

Certification is required to operate as a respite care provider in Maine. As of January 1, 2013, all respite providers must be certified according to the Respite Care Certification guidelines 

4. Responsible State Agency 

NAMI Maine is responsible for certifying respite care providers in Maine 

5. Application Process 

The application process is conducted through NAMI Maine. Providers must complete an application and orientation process before working with families 

6. Required Documentation 

To become a certified respite provider, the following documentation is required: 

• Proof of age (must be at least 18 years old, 21 to transport respite recipients) 

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to work in the U.S. 

• Valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance (if transporting clients) 

• Criminal background check results 

• Child protective services background check results 

• Motor vehicle background check results 

• Proof of required training completion 

• Behavioral intervention certification (for Level II providers)  

7. Timeline for Approval 

The specific timeline for approval is not provided in the available results. However, providers must complete all required training and background checks before being approved to work with families 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no specific pre-application process mentioned. However, potential providers must satisfy eligibility requirements before applying 

9. Pre-Application Training 

Pre-application training requirements include: 

• For Level I providers: Complete required trainings from NAMI Maine, online training modules and exam, or provide documentation of at least 30 hours of training/education in working with children who have special needs 

• For Level II providers: Possess and submit evidence of behavioral intervention certification (MANDT, NAPPI, WELLE, TCI or Safety Care)  

10. Additional Notes 

• Providers are certified for a two-year period and must be recertified every two years 

• Providers may work up to 29 hours per week 

• No respite provider shall be paid for more than 19 hours of continuous care in any 24-hour period, per family 

• Providers must complete 18 Continuing Education credits within two years of the last certification 

• Providers must have provided at least 60 hours of respite care in the previous two years to be eligible for recertification 

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